The Morean Center for Clay (MCC) is located in the Historic Train Station, positioned within the Warehouse Arts District of St. Petersburg Florida.

Under the larger umbrella of the Morean Arts Center (501)(c)(3), MCC offers a variety of educational courses in ceramics ranging from introductory to advanced approaches and techniques. MCC also offers studio rentals, and hosts exhibitions and workshops. One of MCC’s strongest programs is our nationally recognized Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program.

The Artist in Residence Program at the MCC aims to enhance and further the educational experience of early career, ceramic artists seeking recognition in the professional realm. Community involvement, professional development, teaching experience, and self-exploration are just a small part of MCC’s core goals for resident artists. Residents are comprised of individuals with primarily Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees who are interested in working in a shared studio setting to continue their progression as a ceramic artist. This program is best suited for ceramic artists who are just entering the professional field and have recently finished an undergraduate degree. Residents are accepted for a one-year term, but are offered a second term upon mutual agreement between the artist and MCC. Residents are encouraged to expand their body of work, apply to shows, teach classes, assist/participate in workshops, and participate in group and individual critiques. A solo exhibition serves as the capstone experience for the program, highlighting the evolution of the artist, and their work during their time at the MCC.

The AIR program is competitive, attracting applicants from across the nation for up to five positions each year. Artists completing the program have gone on to graduate schools or other residencies. Some have moved on to start their own working studios, work in galleries and museums, or become professors/instructors/teachers from K-12 to university level.

The residency is a work exchange program. Each resident agrees to work a total of 8 hours a week in exchange for their studio (450 cubic ft), 24-hour studio access, and free firings (Electric and Gas). Residents also get discounts on clay purchases and classes. Weekly hours can include, but are not limited to these tasks: assisting in workshops, sweeping/mopping, loading/firing kilns, mixing glazes, splitting/stacking wood, installing exhibitions, and assisting in maintaining a safe and healthy studio atmosphere. To achieve these weekly hours, residents agree to work one day per week (Thursday-Saturday 9am-5pm) at MCC.

MCC also offers additional work for hire compensation for resident artists. Residents can work an additional 20 hours a month at a rate of $12/hr for first year residents, and $13/hr for second year residents. Duties that fall under these available hours include, but are not limited to: loading/firing kilns, mixing glazes, splitting/stacking wood, installing exhibitions, and assisting in facilities maintenance. 

Teaching classes and workshops is an important part of being a resident artist at MCC. MCC’s classes operate 7 days a week, and run in 6 weeks sessions. Residents teach 1-3 classes per session, and also rotate in teaching our Friday Night Clay classes. MCC instructors are independent contractors, and payment for instruction is based on enrollment in the class. Many resident artists also find part-time work outside the art center to help with living costs.

Affordable shared housing is available for $350/month. With the rapid growth of the city of St. Petersburg, housing is becoming more expensive and less available. Please be aware of this as our available shared housing can fit just four residents in total. Accepted residents wishing to live alone or with partners/pets, should consider researching current housing in the St. Pete/Tampa Bay area before accepting a residency at MCC.

MCCs Facilities and Equipment Include:
Anagama Wood Kiln
Wood Soda Kiln
Small Train Wood Kiln
Gas Soda Kiln
Gas Reduction Kiln
Raku Kiln
19 Electric Kilns ranging from small test to large front loader L&L
Pizza Kiln
Soldner Mixer
Peter Pugger Pugmill
Ballmill
Spray Booth

Artist in Residence Applications are submitted using callforentry.org.

Please contact Kodi Thompson with questions related to the Artist in Residence Program

[email protected]